CELESTE ZEINSTRA, passed away peacefully with John, her loving husband of 47 years and her son Roger by her side, at the St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit, on Monday, December 14, 2020 at the age of 66 years.
Along with her husband and son, she is lovingly remembered by her three brothers, Yves, Denis and Gilles Leclair and their families.
She was predeceased by her son, Robert, brother Ron, her parents, in-laws, four sisters-in-law and her brother-in-law.
Celeste was born in Letellier, MB to Gerald and Ida Leclair and was raised there until age 17. When her parents purchased the Picture Butte Hotel in 1971, her family moved there to run it as a family business. There, she also met John, the love of her life, and they married in 1973. They farmed and raised their family in Picture Butte and Enchant.
Celeste worked for St. Catherine’s School, typing for the staff from home. Students were the messengers, toting her work back and forth during their breaks. Eventually she was asked to be the Librarian Assistant.
Celeste attended Henderson Business College and earned her Office Administration Diploma & Medical Record Keeping which allowed her to work at medical offices and the hospital for many years and make many friendships in the communities they lived.
She was never idle and always strived to learn new things. Celeste enjoyed cooking, baking, canning and wine making. She loved working with her hands, knitting and sewing, making her clothes as well as draperies in her home. Celeste was creative, painting walls and furniture to give them new life. Her passion was prowling through thrift and antique shops and her home was filled with lovely pieces from furniture to precious china, crystal and silverware. Celeste loved to keep active and learned to golf. She enjoyed music and learned to play the piano and violin. There wasn’t anything she didn’t take on when she was interested in learning more about it.
Celeste enjoyed exploring whether on road trips or travelling the world. Together, they visited Europe, Asia, South America and Australia, specifically Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, China and may places in North America. They spent 12 partial winters in Palm Springs, California. The last trips Celeste made were to the Holyland, Lourdes and Fatima. Among her most memorable were the ocean cruises to Alaska and Panama. Their last road trip was to her home place where she was reunited with many cousins, a gift that she cherished.
Celeste was very strong in her faith which helped her immensely through her cancer journey. She was involved with the CWL for 45 years, starting in Picture Butte and finishing in Lethbridge at St. Martha’s Parish.
She enjoyed spending time and socializing with her family and friends, belonging to several social clubs and organizations. Celeste had a zest for life, surrounding herself with the people she loved.
The Funeral Mass will be held at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405-12th Ave. South, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, December 3rd, 2021 at 5:00 P.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendance will be limited. Kindly RSVP your attendance to Cornerstone at 403-381-7777 or care@cornerstonefh.ca
A public Reception will be held following the Mass at the ITALIAN CANADIAN CULTURAL CENTRE, 1511 St. Edward Blvd. North, Lethbridge, AB. All are welcome to attend, beginning at 6:00 P.M. and music will be provided. Please be advised that the Restrictions Exception Program will be in effect requiring proof of vaccination and picture ID or a negative Rapid COVID test within 72 hours.
Interment will be held at the IRON SPRINGS CEMETERY, Iron Springs, AB on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Tim Boyle officiating.
For those who wish to make a donation in her memory, please consider the Alberta Cancer Foundation, 700-10123 99 St. NW., Edmonton, AB T5J 9Z9.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Zeinstra Celeste May 24 1954..
Death notice for the town of: Lethbridge, Province: Alberta